Q&A for How to Fix Chemically Burnt Hair

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  • Question
    How do you prevent burnt hair?
    Yan Kandkhorov
    Professional Hair Stylist
    Yan Kandkhorov is a Hair Stylist and Owner of K&S Salon, a hair salon based in New York City's Meatpacking District. Yan has over 20 years of experience in the hair industry, is best known for paving the way for iconic hair trends in the industry, and has operated his salon since 2017. His hair salon has been voted one of the Best Hair Salons in New York City in 2019 by Expertise. Yan and K&S Salon has collaborated with leading fashion magazines and celebrities such as Marie Clair USA, Lucy Magazine, and Resident Magazine.
    Professional Hair Stylist
    Expert Answer
    Avoid using hot tools on your hair as much as possible. If your hair is damaged, avoid using a blow dryer, curling iron, or flat iron more than once a week or so. If you do use them occasionally, use a heat defense spray, but keep in mind that those will only prevent some of the damage caused by heat.
  • Question
    Can burnt hair grow back?
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    Hair that has been burned—whether by chemicals or heat styling—will regrow as long as the follicle the hair grows from hasn't been damaged. It is rare that a chemical penetrates to the follicle and causes damage, but it can happen with a relaxer.
  • Question
    Can damaged hair cuticles be healed?
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    If the cuticles on your hair are roughed up and open, they can be smoothed and sealed with products that have lightweight oils and a pH similar to your hair's pH. However, if the cuticle is broken or missing, it can't be fixed.
  • Question
    Can coconut oil help repair damaged hair?
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    Coconut oil can help protect hair while it regrows, but it can't fix damage. Coconut oil doesn't fully absorb, so it leaves a thin coating on the top surface of the hair that helps shield and lubricate it.
  • Question
    How do you treat damaged hair?
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    Use a combination of protein-based moisturizer and oils to restore both shine and strength. You can't permanently repair damaged hair, but with regular use of the right treatments, you can keep it looking and feeling good until the damage grows out.
  • Question
    What can you do if your hair burnt while you were relaxing it?
    Ashley Adams
    Professional Hair Stylist
    Ashley Adams is a Licensed Cosmetologist and Hair Stylist in Illinois. She completed her Cosmetology education at John Amico School of Hair Design in 2016.
    Professional Hair Stylist
    Expert Answer
    It would be best to perform hot oil treatments and hair masks on a weekly basis. Your hair is over-processed now and can’t be reversed. It can only be cut to remove the burnt pieces. While you wait for the hair to grow out, keep your strands moisturized and be really careful when applying your next relaxer in the future. However, you should consider laying off the relaxers for a while.
  • Question
    How to I treat hair that is burnt from spiral perm kit?
    Ashley Adams
    Professional Hair Stylist
    Ashley Adams is a Licensed Cosmetologist and Hair Stylist in Illinois. She completed her Cosmetology education at John Amico School of Hair Design in 2016.
    Professional Hair Stylist
    Expert Answer
    Although the damage can’t be reversed, you can try to nurse your hair back to health by staying away from hair products with harsh chemicals in them such as sulfates and alcohol. You should even consider not getting another perm for a while, because your hair is already damaged and burnt, and will likely become over-processed. You should get a trim especially if your ends are burnt badly. Start using moisturizing shampoo and conditioners, as well as hair masks on a weekly basis.
  • Question
    My hair is looking burnt after streaks and extensions. What can I do to fix it fast?
    Community Answer
    You can start by not using any heat in your hair (straightener, etc.). Try making hydrating products for your hair. Always cut your ends.
  • Question
    My hair is burnt from a straightener. How do I fully repair my hair?
    Community Answer
    Follow the steps here and enlist the help of a professional stylist.
  • Question
    What can I do if my hair got burnt?
    Community Answer
    Follow the instructions listed in the article above.
  • Question
    How do I regrow my hair after chemically burning it?
    Community Answer
    Get your hair cut and treated by a professional. You could use hair masks and conditioners at home after the professional has done the initial fix.
  • Question
    If the tips of my hair are burned after rebonding, should I cut it to remove the damage if hair conditioner didn't work to repair it?
    Community Answer
    You should trim it and apply intense hydrating hair products with some conditioner.
  • Question
    How do I manage rough and hard hair?
    Community Answer
    I would recommend applying some coconut oil or detangling paste, and then comb with a large tooth comb.
  • Question
    How can I fix severely dry hair with no shine or luster?
    Belle K.
    Top Answerer
    Go to your local beauty store and tell them what has happened. An at-home method is to soak your hair in coconut oil.
  • Question
    How do I get my normal hair back if it's chemically burnt?
    Belle K.
    Top Answerer
    Unfortunately, you will have to wait for your hair to grow back and grow out. You can repair it somewhat but not to how it was before.
  • Question
    Is it possible for my hair to look burnt from stress or hormones? How do I fix it?
    Community Answer
    Your hair is likely to be dehydrated or have split ends. Try using some special hydrating hair products or getting it trimmed. You don’t need to trim it very much, anywhere from and inch and a half or half an inch should be enough.
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